A unique marine environment
Maximum career impact
Strong industry links and opportunities
Details
Year 1
Core modules
BIOL132
Ecology and the Diversity of Life
20 credits
Discover the principles guiding ecological systems and the immense diversity of life on Earth. You’ll investigate ecological patterns, evolutionary relationships and the processes that sustain natural communities. By exploring how biodiversity is studied and protected, you’ll gain a clear understanding of ecology’s central role in conservation and sustainable management.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
CONSCI100
Introduction to Conservation Science
20 credits
Begin your conservation journey with hands-on field experiences that introduce species identification, ecosystem analysis and modern data-collection tools. You’ll develop skills in teamwork, communication and statistical analysis while exploring how conservation science applies to both marine and terrestrial environments.
50% Practicals
50% Tests
CONSCI101
Exploring Nature Conservation
20 credits
Trace the evolution of conservation thinking from early protectionist philosophies to modern approaches that recognise the deep connections between people and nature. Through case studies and critical evaluation, you’ll explore interventions, assess their effectiveness and develop a broad interdisciplinary understanding of current conservation challenges.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
CONSCI102
Spatial Ecology and GIS
20 credits
Study how spatial data and mapping tools reveal patterns in nature. Using GIS and real case studies, you’ll explore species distribution, landscape change and ecological relationships. By learning key spatial-analysis techniques, you’ll gain valuable skills applicable across conservation, ecology and environmental management.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
OS109
Introduction to Biodiversity and Marine Ecosystems
20 credits
Discover the incredible diversity of marine life and learn how species are classified, named and studied. You’ll explore where different organisms live, how they interact within ecosystems and how processes such as primary production and food webs shape marine environments. This module builds a strong foundation in marine biodiversity and ecology.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BMSCS01
Conservation Science Student Support Stage 1
Gain structured support as you build foundational conservation science skills in Stage 1. This module helps you develop key laboratory, field and transferable competencies delivered across your core modules, ensuring you begin your degree with confidence and an understanding of essential scientific practices.
OS110
Oceanography
This module introduces the science that shapes our oceans, exploring the physical and chemical processes that drive ocean circulation and mixing, and influence the character of marine environments worldwide. Key scientific principles are introduced along the way, helping students build a strong foundation for further study in ocean and marine sciences.
Year 2
Core modules
BIOL204
Principles of Conservation Biology
20 credits
Explore the biological principles essential for effective conservation. You’ll examine population ecology and conservation genetics to understand extinction risk and persistence of species and study their relevance to conservation management. This module strengthens your ability to apply core ecological concepts to real world conservation challenges and prepares you for more advanced conservation study.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
CONSCI200
Conservation Research Skills
20 credits
This module equips students with essential skills for conducting conservation surveys in a variety of natural systems. It covers hypothesis development, experimental design, data collection and insight analysis using open source and industry standard software. Students will design, conduct, analyse and present their own field investigation. The module blends lectures, fieldwork, and online workshops.
60% Coursework
40% Practicals
CONSCI201
Nature and People: Understanding Socioecological Systems
20 credits
Explore the dynamic interplay between people and nature through the lens of socioecological systems. This interdisciplinary module blends ecology and social science, covering nature/ocean literacy, citizen science, communication, and environmental justice. Students gain practical experience in fieldwork, survey design, and collaborative conservation problem-solving.
60% Coursework
40% Practicals
OS205
Managing Human Impacts in the Marine Environment
20 credits
Explore how human activities, from fisheries to energy extraction, affect marine ecosystems. You’ll study pollution, biodiversity loss and management strategies used to mitigate impacts. Through case studies and evaluation of conservation tools, this module builds your ability to assess and manage human pressures on marine environments.
100% Coursework
BMSCS02
Conservation Science Student Support Stage 2
Continue developing essential conservation skills through Stage 2, supported by timetabled activities that track your progress across field, lab and analytical tasks. This module helps consolidate the competencies gained in your Level 5 modules, preparing you for advanced work in ecological and conservation research.
Optional modules
BIOL205
Animal Behaviour
20 credits
Discover why animals behave the way they do by exploring the causes, development, function and evolution of behaviour. You’ll learn scientific methods for studying behaviour and consider how behavioural knowledge supports practical applications, from welfare improvements to conservation. This module equips you with strong analytical and observational skills in behavioural science.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BIOL214
Ecology
20 credits
Build a strong understanding of ecological principles at the levels of individuals, populations and communities. You’ll explore how ecological processes operate and species interact in both aquatic and terrestrial systems, and examine how scientists search for general theories in ecology. This module provides a solid conceptual framework for advanced ecological analysis and problem-solving.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
CONSCI202
Marine Conservation Field Course
20 credits
This module provides students with hands-on experience in marine field research, where they conduct individual and group projects in diverse marine environments. Students develop field research, data analysis, and scientific communication skills.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
OS207
Scientific Diving
20 credits
Enhance your research capabilities through professional level scientific diving. Suitable for students with the HSE SCUBA qualification, this module trains you in underwater photography, surveying and sampling techniques. You’ll plan and execute multidisciplinary dive projects, developing skills used in research, industry and environmental monitoring.
100% Coursework
OS210
Remote Sensing of the Environment
20 credits
Learn how remote sensing technologies, from satellites to drones, are used to study terrestrial and marine environments. You’ll develop skills in analysing and applying remote sensing data using industry standard software and explore how these tools help solve real world environmental challenges.
50% Coursework
50% Tests
Optional placement year
Core modules
APIE303
Biology:Placement
Undertake at least 24 weeks of hands-on professional training with an approved host organisation. During your placement, you’ll apply biological knowledge in real work settings, develop technical and transferable skills, and gain insight into how biological science operates across sectors. This experience helps bridge academic learning with future career ambitions.
Final year
Core modules
OS307
Marine Conservation Policy and Planning
20 credits
Discover how marine governance and conservation policy are shaped and implemented. Explore how policies protect marine ecosystems and threatened species, how regulatory authorities use management tools, and how approaches like marine spatial planning support sustainable resource use. Using case studies, this module builds critical thinking, equipping you with the knowledge to effectively manage marine environments.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
PROJ302
SoBMS Project
40 credits
Undertake an independent research project from concept to completion. You’ll develop a research question, design and execute your study, analyse results and communicate your findings. This module strengthens your ability to work independently, solve problems and reflect on your academic and professional development.
75% Coursework
25% Practicals
OS304
Marine Ecosystem Conservation
20 credits
Explore threats to global marine and coastal ecosystems, from tropical mangroves to temperate pelagic waters. You’ll investigate conservation tools, monitoring approaches and ecological impacts of human activities. By combining case studies with analytical skills, this module equips you to evaluate and support marine conservation action.
60% Coursework
40% Examinations
BMSCS04
Conservation Science Student Support Stage 4
Refine your advanced conservation skills during Stage 4 with structured support that aligns with your Level 6 modules. You’ll strengthen field and analytical abilities, enhance professional skills and ensure you are fully equipped for graduate-level research, conservation roles or further study.
Optional modules
ANT6008MX
Coastal Cultures: Marine Anthropology in the age of climate change and mass extinction.
20 credits
Using ethnography, we analyse how coastal communities use the sea – not only as a source of livelihood, but as a key ingredient in the construction of their identity and place in world. Drawing on a range of cases from across the world – from Polynesian sorcerers, to Japanese whale mourners, to Cornish surfers – we study how coastal communities are responding to climate change, sea level rise, pollution, and extinction.
100% Coursework
BIOL310
Global Change Biology
20 credits
Investigate how climate change is reshaping plant and animal biology and distributions. You’ll explore current predictions for ecological change over the coming century and examine how this knowledge informs conservation action. By connecting climate science with ecological practice, the module prepares you to engage with one of the most urgent challenges facing biodiversity.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BIOL323
Advanced Behaviour Analysis Techniques
20 credits
Gain hands-on experience collecting and analysing complex behavioural datasets using modern techniques. You will follow a group of animals, quantify individual behaviour and track social interactions, utilising coding to construct a social network. You will also learn to communicate behavioural insights to a variety of audiences, including scientists and the public.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
MBIO339
Ecology and Conservation of Marine Vertebrates
20 credits
Investigate the ecology of large marine vertebrates and the pressures they face from a range of key threats including fisheries bycatch, whaling, and anthropogenic noise. You’ll study methods for surveying and monitoring populations and analyse real case studies that highlight current research. This module equips you to understand and address conservation challenges affecting large marine vertebrates.
60% Coursework
40% Examinations
MBIO363
Fish and Fisheries
20 credits
Explore the biology of fishes and how it informs sustainable fisheries management. Drawing on key research on behaviour and physiology to population dynamics and community processes, you’ll evaluate implications for aquaculture and wild capture fisheries. Through discussions, workshops and seminars with industry professionals, you’ll develop evidence based skills to support the sustainable management of fish populations.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
OS309
Marine Pollution and Environmental Change
20 credits
Examine the sources, movement and impacts of pollutants, from nutrients and trace elements to anthropogenic chemicals and carbon dioxide. You’ll learn practical field techniques for assessing estuarine water quality and critically evaluate links between human activities and environmental change. This module builds strong analytical skills essential for modern marine management.
60% Coursework
40% Examinations
BIOL325
Biodiversity Conservation: Science, Policy and Practice
20 credits
Engage with real conservation case studies from around the world and learn what drives both biodiversity loss and successful restoration. You’ll explore stakeholder interests, ethics, policy influences and community-led approaches to conservation. The module equips you to understand how evidence, policy and on-the-ground action combine to shape modern conservation practice.
100% Coursework
Experience
Take part in research expeditions
BSc (Hons) Ocean Science and Marine Conservation students scuba diving in Bali
Experience overseas field work
Marine Station
HSE Professional SCUBA diving course
Navigating the future of marine research
Benefit from a multidisciplinary approach
- Gain a strong scientific foundation in theoretical aspects of ecology, conservation and marine ecosystems complimented by analytical skills in marine ecology and spatial marine management and policy.
- Achieve extensive experience of surveying a variety of marine habitats by boat and from the shore in and around the Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ Sound Marine Park.
- Explore in depth how human activities impact marine ecosystems, and how our relationships to them can be enhanced to improve outcomes for both people and nature.
- Gain practical experience of deploying management tools utilised by practitioners working within ecology and conservation.
- Create strong external links with local conservation organisations, government organisations and ecological consultancies.
- Take advantage of the opportunity to participate in UK and overseas field courses, and specialist research expeditions.
- Participate in an optional HSE professional diving course and an optional dedicated scientific diving module.
Learn from experts
Dr Thomas Davies
Associate Professor of Marine Conservation
Dr Tom LETESSIER
Lecturer in Marine Conservation
Dr Sarah Gall
Lecturer in Marine Conservation
Marine Biology Society
Life in Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Current student
Discover what Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ and its unique geographical location have to offer
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
Marine Conservation is a growing job sector with high demand for versatile skillsets
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ÆConservation organisations and non-governmental organisations
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ÆGovernment and Regulatory Agencies
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ÆMarine Industry and Sustainable Business
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ÆScience communication and education
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ÆFieldwork and exploration
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ÆResearch and academia
Optional placement year: preparing you for the future
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
£9,790 per year
£815 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
£19,200 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Additional costs
Fund your studies
TOTUS student scholarship
Supporting students with the cost of living
Apply
Entry requirements
112 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
A levels
BTEC National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
International Baccalaureate
Foundation programme
Extended entry requirements
Ready to apply?
FC71
P60
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Full-time
Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ
Entry requirements
112 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
English language requirements
Ready to apply?
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
FC71
P60
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Full-time
Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day